Friday, 11 June 2010

Well I went up the plot today and spent about three hours purely digging out the thistles...also got some land dug over to put in the remaining potatoes I have, I know it's a bit late but i figure they will be no good next year so i might as well get them in the ground and see what happens.

Also spent some time sorting out the greenhouse...I was not overly happy with how my citrus trees were looking so I have took them out of the pots and planted them in the earth in the greenhouse...i am hoping with a bit more warmth and no wind they will stat looking healthier. Currently i have 5 grapevines in the greenhouse ( I cringe as you all shout at the computer)...yes I know it's too many but i got a little fruit happy so now I am in a quandary on what to do. At home I have a 6foot fence in the garden so three of the vines could be planted here and have a little shelter...on the other hand I could plant three out directly onto the plot to act as a divide between me and the next plot but they would be very open to the elements. Someone does have grapevines planted on their plot and they seem to do fine...so i really don't know what to do...any advice greatly received as I know sod all about grapes.

9 comments:

I don't know if all grape vines are alike but the lady next door to me has some and she doesn't do anything with them and they grow all over her yard and her dilapidated excuse for a garage. So if that is any indication I am sure they will be okay where ever you put them. I know because they creep over my fence and I have to trim them so the dog doesn't get them. Good luck.

It really depends what varieties you have - some will fruit outside in this country but others won't.

If they are outdoor varieties you will need a sunny position to ripen the grapes well too but really a greenhouse only has space for one. Our greenhouse is about 20 x 12 and one vine would take over if we didn't chop bits off all through the summer - it even grows out of the roof window if we have it open for long enough.

All I know about grapes is they need plenty of sunshine – ideally planted on a south facing slope for sun and good drainage – and that they like 'benign neglect', like lavender. They don't mind a bit of drought, but HATE sitting in waterlogged soil. Soil can be pretty poor: vines aren't too bothered.

Any place that the grape vines have something to climb is good for them. My grandpa built a place over his back walkway where the vines could surround it and make a tunnel for a nice covered shady walkway.